Monroe school renamed Sandy Hook Elementary (video)

A sign welcomes Sandy Hook Elementary School students to the Chalk Hill School campus in neighboring Monroe in late December. An open house was planned for the Sandy Hook students Wednesday at the former Chalk Hill School, overhauled specially for them. Classes for the Sandy Hook students start there on Thursday.(AP Photo/The Newtown Bee, Andy Hutchison)

Sandy Hook Elementary School is the new name for what was formerly Chalk Hill middle school, which will house the nearly 500 students who once attended the original Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown.

The Newtown school was the site of a massacre on Dec. 14 where a gunman killed 20 students, six staff, and then himself. Police say he killed his mother before going to the school.

Newtown school Superintendent Janet Robinson said schools' staff had gathered for the first time as a whole in the Monroe school Wednesday morning, and parents and students were invited to tour the school in the afternoon. At a mid-day press conference at a park in Monroe, she said the staff would then meet again to prepare for the school's opening on Thursday. Gov. Dannel P. Malloy also met with the staff of the school earlier Wednesday.

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Robinson, speaking at the press conference that also included Monroe Police Chief John Salvatore, Newtown Police Chief Michael Kehoe, Monroe First Selectman Steve Vavrek, Newtown Lt. George Sinko and Monroe Lt. Keith White, said the decision to rename the school was made by the staff, in order to "carry on our traditions" and to "help make this a very nurturing, caring place."

"The staff believes that this gives them their identity and a comfort level," she said.

Asked if all surviving teachers were returning to teach, Robinson responded "Our teachers are all there today." She said they are hoping to have the school day follow as much "normal routine as possible."

The principal of the school will be retired Sandy Hook Elementary School Principal Donna Page. Board of Education meeting minutes show that Page retired in June of 2010. Dawn Hochsprung, who succeeded Page, was killed in the shooting.

Page is "a beloved principal, so her willingness to come back with this transition has just been a godsend," Robinson said.

In a letter posted on the school website, Page told parents they are "welcome" to come to the school and be with their children on the first day back. She suggested students still take the bus to school and parents then come to the school after classes begin at 9 a.m.

Students have not been to school since the day of the shooting, and Robinson said with the help of Monroe teachers and staff, all classrooms have been set up and arranged with the students' belongings.

"The children are coming in [and] they are so excited to see their teachers ... the students coming in completes the circle," she said.

Robinson said there were as many as 80 people working to make the school transition "seamless" and called the school "cheerful and happy."

"Chalk Hill has been transformed from a middle school to a very cheerful, nurturing elementary school."

Along the road to the new school were signs of encouragement. "Welcome" read one neon-green sign with a red heart, "We Love You."

The former middle school shares a campus with Jockey Hollow Middle School, which is currently utilized.

Officials would not discuss plans for those surviving students whose classmates or teachers were killed in the shooting with regard for their arrangement into classrooms.

Police were patrolling the streets surrounding the school, and stopping many who drove past or tried to enter the school on Wednesday. White said they would continue to stop and interview anyone entering the school.

Robinson said the school feels "extremely secure."

White said there are officers from surrounding departments helping to patrol the area.

"I think right now it has to be the safest school in America," he said.

Though police would not elaborate on security measures or devices, White said that many Monroe schools were already monitored with cameras viewed at the police station, and said they have installed other numerous security devices.

"We're just doing what we think is necessary to make this an adequate building to teach these kids," Salvatore said.

Kehoe, the Newtown chief, declined to answer questions regarding the investigation into the shooter, Adam Lanza.

Counseling services will continue to be made available at the school. The Newtown Youth and Family Services Inc. will be open for emergency counseling. They can be reached at 203-426-8103.